10-Day Itinerary
The Grand Tour of Morocco
Eight extraordinary destinations across 2,000 kilometers -- from Art Deco Casablanca to the windswept Atlantic coast of Essaouira, with imperial cities, blue villages, Saharan dunes, and the High Atlas in between.
Trip Overview
The Grand Tour is for travelers who want to see it all. Starting in cosmopolitan Casablanca, this route traces a sweeping loop through Morocco's most diverse landscapes and culturally rich cities. You will experience the political capital of Rabat, the impossibly blue streets of Chefchaouen, the medieval wonder of Fes, the golden Sahara at Merzouga, the film-set landscapes of Ouarzazate, the sensory overload of Marrakech, and the bohemian Atlantic charm of Essaouira. Each day brings a completely different Morocco.
Route Overview
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Total Distance
~2,000 km
Budget Range
$900-$5,000 total
Difficulty
Moderate (long drives)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Casablanca -- Art Deco & the Great Mosque
Arrive in Morocco's largest city and economic capital. Casablanca surprises visitors with its French colonial architecture, contemporary art scene, and the jaw-dropping Hassan II Mosque.
Morning: Arrival & Hassan II Mosque
Fly into Mohammed V Airport (CMN). Transfer to hotel (30 min, ~300 MAD / $30 by taxi). Visit the Hassan II Mosque -- the third largest in the world with its 210-meter minaret and retractable roof over the ocean. Guided tour: 130 MAD ($13). Non-Muslim visitors can enter during scheduled tour times (9:00, 10:00, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM).
Afternoon: Art Deco District & Corniche
Walk through the Habous Quarter (New Medina) built in the 1930s, blending Moroccan and French architectural styles. Stroll the Corniche seafront promenade and stop at Rick's Cafe (150-250 MAD / $15-25) -- the recreation of the bar from the film Casablanca.
Evening: Dinner in Casablanca
Dine at La Sqala (120-200 MAD / $12-20) in a converted 18th-century fortification, or splurge at Le Cabestan (300-500 MAD / $30-50) overlooking the crashing Atlantic waves.
Where to Stay
Budget: Ibis Casablanca (400-600 MAD / $40-60) -- Mid-range: Hotel & Spa Le Doge (1,200-1,800 MAD / $120-180) -- Luxury: Four Seasons Casablanca (3,000+ MAD / $300+)
Rabat -- Morocco's Elegant Capital
A 1-hour drive north (87 km) brings you to Rabat, the political capital. More refined and less chaotic than other Moroccan cities, Rabat rewards with UNESCO sites, excellent museums, and a stunning coastline.
9:00 AM: Hassan Tower & Mausoleum
Visit the iconic Hassan Tower -- the unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque that would have been the world's largest. Next door, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V features exquisite marble, zellige, and carved wood. Free entry to both. Allow 1 hour.
11:00 AM: Kasbah of the Udayas
Explore this 12th-century fortress overlooking the Bou Regreg River. The Andalusian Gardens inside are a peaceful oasis. Walk down to the surf beach below where locals ride the waves. Free entry. Allow 1.5 hours.
Afternoon: Chellah Necropolis
Visit the medieval fortified Chellah (70 MAD / $7) -- a haunting ruin of a Roman settlement later converted to a royal burial ground. Storks nest atop the crumbling minarets. Drive north to Chefchaouen (280 km, ~4 hours).
Where to Stay
Arrive in Chefchaouen by evening. Budget: Dar Echchaouen (250-400 MAD / $25-40) -- Mid-range: Lina Ryad & Spa (600-1,000 MAD / $60-100) -- Luxury: Casa Hassan (1,200+ MAD / $120+)
Chefchaouen -- The Blue Pearl
A full day in Morocco's most photogenic town. Nestled in the Rif Mountains at 600 meters elevation, Chefchaouen's medina is entirely washed in shades of blue -- from powder to cobalt to cerulean.
8:00 AM: Morning in the Blue Medina
The early morning light is magical in Chefchaouen. Wander the quiet streets before the day-trippers arrive. Visit the Place Outa el Hammam, the central square with its 15th-century kasbah (10 MAD / $1). The medina is compact and easy to navigate without a guide.
11:00 AM: Ras El Maa Waterfall & Hike
Walk to the Ras El Maa spring on the eastern edge of the medina where local women wash clothes in the river. Continue up to the abandoned Spanish Mosque (30 min hike) for panoramic views of the entire blue town against the green Rif Mountains. Free.
Afternoon: Local Crafts & Relaxation
Chefchaouen is known for handwoven blankets, goat cheese, and unique woven bags. Browse the smaller artisan shops away from the main square for better prices. Lunch at Aladdin (40-80 MAD / $4-8) or Bab Ssour (60-100 MAD / $6-10). Relax at your riad in the afternoon.
Where to Stay
Same riad as arrival night in Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen to Fes -- Through the Rif
Drive south through the Rif Mountains to Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital. The 210 km drive takes approximately 4 hours through stunning mountain scenery.
9:00 AM: Depart for Fes
Morning departure heading south on the N13. The road winds through the western Rif with views of terraced hillsides, cannabis fields (legal for traditional use), and remote Berber villages. Stop at roadside stalls for fresh figs and walnuts in season. Private transfer: 1,200-1,800 MAD ($120-180). CTM bus: 75 MAD ($8).
1:00 PM: Arrive in Fes & Lunch
Check into your riad in Fes el-Bali (the old medina). Lunch at Cafe Clock (80-150 MAD / $8-15) -- famous for its camel burger and cultural programming. The riad experience in Fes is often even more atmospheric than Marrakech, with quieter, more authentic surroundings.
Afternoon: First Medina Exploration
Take a gentle orientation walk through Fes el-Bali. The medina has over 9,000 alleyways -- getting lost is part of the experience. Visit the Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate), the main entrance to the medina. As evening falls, the call to prayer echoes from hundreds of minarets simultaneously -- a haunting and unforgettable sound.
Where to Stay
Budget: Dar Seffarine (300-500 MAD / $30-50) -- Mid-range: Riad Laaroussa (1,000-1,600 MAD / $100-160) -- Luxury: Palais Faraj (2,500+ MAD / $250+)
Fes -- Deep Dive into the Medieval City
A full day with a licensed guide to explore the labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bali. Founded in 789 AD, this is the best-preserved medieval city in the Arab world.
9:00 AM: Guided Medina Tour
Hire a licensed guide (full day: 500-800 MAD / $50-80) to navigate the medina's highlights: Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (founded 859 AD -- the world's oldest continuously operating university), Bou Inania Medersa (30 MAD / $3), and the legendary Chouara Tannery with its honeycomb of dye vats.
12:30 PM: Traditional Fassi Lunch
Try the iconic Fassi dishes: pastilla (pigeon pie with almonds and cinnamon), rfissa (lentil and fenugreek chicken), or tanjia (slow-cooked lamb). The Ruined Garden (100-180 MAD / $10-18) serves in a gorgeous courtyard. Dar Roumana (200-350 MAD / $20-35) for refined dining.
Afternoon: Artisan Workshops & Merenid Tombs
Visit zellige tile workshops, brass workers, and the famous leather tanning process. End the day at the Merenid Tombs on the hill above Fes for a sunset panorama over the entire medina -- the best view in the city. Free entry.
Where to Stay
Same riad as Day 4 in Fes.
Fes to Merzouga -- Into the Sahara
The longest drive of the trip (460 km, 7-8 hours), but arguably the most scenic. Cross the Middle Atlas, pass through the Ziz Gorge, and arrive at the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi.
7:00 AM: Early Departure via Ifrane & Azrou
Head south through Ifrane (the "Switzerland of Morocco" at 1,650m) and Azrou, where you can stop to see Barbary macaques in the cedar forests. The landscape shifts from green mountains to arid desert as you descend toward Errachidia.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Midelt & Ziz Gorge
Stop in Midelt for lunch (60-100 MAD / $6-10) at a roadside restaurant. Continue through the spectacular Ziz Gorge with its palm-lined valley and ancient kasbahs. Stop at the Ziz Valley viewpoint for photos.
4:00 PM: Camel Trek & Desert Camp
Arrive in Merzouga as the afternoon heat begins to fade. Mount dromedary camels for a 1.5-hour trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset from the top of a 150-meter dune. Dinner, Berber music, and stargazing at your desert camp. Standard camp: 500-800 MAD ($50-80). Luxury: 2,000-4,000 MAD ($200-400).
Where to Stay
Desert camp in Erg Chebbi. Standard camps include dinner, breakfast, and camel trek. Luxury camps add private tents, hot showers, and gourmet dining.
Sahara Sunrise & Drive to Ouarzazate
Wake for a breathtaking desert sunrise, then journey west along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Todra and Dades Gorges to Ouarzazate.
5:30 AM: Sahara Sunrise
Climb the nearest dune to watch the sun rise over the Sahara -- a bucket-list moment as the sand shifts from deep purple to orange to gold. Camel ride back to Merzouga for breakfast and a shower.
9:00 AM: Todra Gorge
Drive west to Tinghir (160 km, ~2.5 hours) and stop at the spectacular Todra Gorge -- a narrow canyon with 300-meter vertical walls. Walk through the canyon (free, 30 min). Rock climbers come from around the world for the limestone walls.
Afternoon: Dades Valley to Ouarzazate
Continue through the Dades Valley (160 km, ~2.5 hours) -- stop at the famous Dades Gorge hairpin turns for photos. Arrive in Ouarzazate, the "Gateway to the Sahara." Optional evening visit to Atlas Studios (50 MAD / $5).
Where to Stay
Budget: Hotel Azoul (300-500 MAD / $30-50) -- Mid-range: Kasbah Dar Daif (600-1,000 MAD / $60-100) -- Luxury: Le Berbere Palace (1,500+ MAD / $150+)
Ouarzazate to Marrakech -- Over the Atlas
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass with a stop at the iconic Ait Ben Haddou kasbah. Arrive in Marrakech for two action-packed days.
8:00 AM: Ait Ben Haddou
Drive 30 km northwest to the UNESCO World Heritage ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified village has appeared in over 20 films including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Free entry; local guides 50-100 MAD ($5-10). Allow 1.5 hours.
11:00 AM: Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Cross the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters -- Morocco's highest paved road. Stop at viewpoints for photos of the Atlas peaks. The descent into the Marrakech plain reveals a dramatic landscape change from arid mountains to red-earth plains.
3:00 PM: Arrive in Marrakech
Check into your riad in the medina. Rest and refresh before an evening visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa for your first taste of the legendary square -- the snake charmers, musicians, food stalls, and storytellers that make it UNESCO's "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity."
Where to Stay
Budget: Riad Laayoun (350-500 MAD / $35-50) -- Mid-range: Riad Kniza (800-1,500 MAD / $80-150) -- Luxury: Royal Mansour (5,000+ MAD / $500+)
Marrakech -- Palaces, Gardens & Souks
A full day in the Red City covering its essential highlights. Marrakech is the most-visited city in Africa for good reason.
8:00 AM: Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum
Arrive early at the Majorelle Garden (70 MAD / $7) for the best light and smallest crowds. The cobalt-blue Art Deco villa set among 300+ plant species is unforgettable. Next door, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum (100 MAD / $10) showcases iconic fashion designs. Allow 2.5 hours total.
11:00 AM: Bahia Palace & Souks
Visit the Bahia Palace (70 MAD / $7) then dive into the souks. Each section has its specialty: leather, spices, carpets, metalwork, and textiles. A guided souk tour (200-400 MAD / $20-40) helps navigate and negotiate. Lunch at Nomad (150-250 MAD / $15-25) with terrace views.
Afternoon: Hammam & Evening Spectacle
Enjoy a traditional hammam (budget: 20-50 MAD / $2-5 at a public hammam, luxury: 500-1,000 MAD / $50-100 at Les Bains de Marrakech). Evening: return to Jemaa el-Fnaa for the nightly transformation. Dinner at Dar Yacout (500-800 MAD / $50-80) or the food stalls (30-60 MAD / $3-6).
Where to Stay
Same riad as Day 8 in Marrakech.
Essaouira -- Atlantic Finale
End your grand tour on the Atlantic coast. Essaouira is a laid-back port city with Portuguese ramparts, Gnaoua music, and some of the best seafood in Morocco.
8:00 AM: Drive to Essaouira
Depart Marrakech heading west (175 km, 2.5 hours on the modern A7 motorway). Optional stop at an argan oil cooperative en route (free visit, products for sale). The road passes through argan forests where goats famously climb the trees.
11:00 AM: Medina & Ramparts
Explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its whitewashed buildings and blue shutters. Walk the Skala de la Ville -- the 18th-century sea bastions with cannons pointing over the Atlantic. The fishing port is a working harbor where colorful boats line up and fishermen mend nets. Free to explore.
1:00 PM: Seafood Lunch at the Port
The fish stalls at the port are legendary. Choose your fish from the day's catch and have it grilled on the spot: sardines, prawns, calamari, and lobster. A full seafood spread costs 80-150 MAD ($8-15). For a restaurant setting, try La Table by Madada (200-350 MAD / $20-35).
Afternoon: Beach Walk & Sunset
Walk the wide sandy beach stretching south from the medina. Essaouira is famous for wind -- perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing (lessons: 400-600 MAD / $40-60 for 2 hours). Watch the sunset from the ramparts or the beach as seagulls wheel overhead -- the perfect end to your Moroccan grand tour.
Where to Stay
Budget: Riad Baladin (300-500 MAD / $30-50) -- Mid-range: Heure Bleue Palais (1,000-1,600 MAD / $100-160) -- Luxury: Villa de l'O (2,000+ MAD / $200+)
Estimated Budget Breakdown
Budget
$900-1,400
Per person, 10 days
- Accommodation (9 nights)$270-450
- Transport (bus/shared taxi)$120-200
- Food$150-250
- Activities & Entry Fees$100-150
- Desert Camp$50-80
- Daily Average$90-140
Mid-Range
$2,000-3,000
Per person, 10 days
- Accommodation (9 nights)$810-1,350
- Transport (private/mix)$400-600
- Food$300-500
- Activities & Guides$200-350
- Desert Camp$100-200
- Daily Average$200-300
Luxury
$4,000-7,000+
Per person, 10 days
- Accommodation (9 nights)$2,000-4,000
- Private Driver/Car$800-1,200
- Fine Dining$500-800
- Private Guides & Spa$500-700
- Luxury Desert Camp$200-400
- Daily Average$400-700+
Packing List for the Grand Tour
Clothing
- Mix of lightweight and warm layers
- Modest clothing for medinas and rural areas
- Warm jacket (Atlas Mountains, desert nights)
- Rain layer (Chefchaouen, coast)
- Comfortable walking shoes (broken in)
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Sun hat and swimwear
- Scarf (multi-purpose: sun, sand, modesty)
Documents & Tech
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Travel insurance (essential)
- Copies of all documents (digital + paper)
- Phone with offline maps & translation app
- Universal power adapter (Type C/E)
- Portable charger (10,000+ mAh)
- Camera with spare batteries & memory cards
- Headphones for long drives
Health & Comfort
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Insect repellent (rural areas)
- Basic first aid kit
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Reusable water bottle with filter
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Motion sickness tablets (mountain roads)
- Earplugs and eye mask (desert camp)
Ready for the Grand Tour?
This 10-day adventure covers the best of Morocco. Our team will customize every detail -- private drivers, handpicked riads, licensed guides, and seamless city-to-city logistics.
